Emails written by Jeffrey Epstein released this morning by House Democrats suggest he believed Donald Trump knew more about his abuse than he acknowledged. READ: https://fluence-media.co/49gLLkG
Will tonight’s swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva this evening set in motion the release of more Epstein files? READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nN4JDf
DoorDash, Fruit of the Loom, and TikTok Shop are the fastest growing brands according to MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/4qMM7Wu
The White House is considering supporting 50-year mortgages to help with the housing affordability crisis. Not everyone’s on board. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qUriIT
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47QY5pj
Sunday Take had St. Paul Mayor-elect Rep. Kaohly Her sharing how her rise has been “accidental”, what her father’s words have meant, and how she and the late Speaker Melissa Hortman didn’t start on the right foot. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hMn3uA
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
A new level of insight and information….
A new level of Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Today’s the last day of our founding member pricing, sign-up at the lower rate today.
Sign-up for paid TheDailyAgenda and you’ll receive a morning take mug.
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
A monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest issue and political dynamics.
Access to our Fluence Forum audio and videio assets.
A free morning take mug if you sign-up this week.
Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
U OF M DOCTORS
WHAT’S HAPPENING: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota is battling in public with its own physician group and Fairview Health Services, the nonprofit group that owns the U’s teaching hospital in Minneapolis, over a deal struck without the university’s involvement to fund the state’s largest medical school. Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services and doctors at the U disclosed to the Minnesota Star Tribune this week the creation of a 10-year deal that would support physician training and the broader academic health program at the university. Hours before news was to become public Wednesday, university officials blasted it as a ‘hostile takeover’ and demanded the parties immediately stop negotiating.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LY5RGD
MORE: Via news release from the Attorney General’s office, from Attorney General Keith Ellison, QUOTE: “The agreement represents an important step toward a reimagined and revitalized partnership between Fairview, UMP, and the University, who continues to be essential to and a central player in this process. Fairview and the University will now embark on an agreement to address the remaining items before them, including provisions for graduate medical education and joint branding. They have important work to accomplish for the entire state of Minnesota, and I look forward to supporting this process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nPF3pm
MORE: A University of Minnesota spokesperson this morning shared a pair of documents with Fluence Media. One is the University’s model for a Fairview/UMN joint venture, which the spokesperson says was sent September 5th and for which a response was not received. Second is yesterday’s letter to Attorney General Keith Ellison. From the letter, QUOTE: “University leadership and the Regents have not, of course, seen the [Letter of Intent]. We are working from the oral summary that was given by Fairview and UMP to Regent Wheeler and General Counsel Peterson, after the fact on November 7. However, enough of the proposed terms were revealed for us to recognize that this represents a historic, dramatic change in the mission and character of UMP as the Board of Regents’ designated faculty practice of the University of Minnesota Medical School. To call it what it is: it results in UMP becoming, in effect, a captive entity of Fairview, and no longer an integral component of the University of Minnesota’s academic health center and a truly University-based resource to Minnesota. We became one of the nation’s top academic health centers through strong alignment of the University and its faculty. This proposal fractures that and is contrary to Minnesota’s best interests.” the nation’s top academic health centers through strong alignment of the University and its faculty. This proposal fractures that and is contrary to Minnesota’s best interests. This is troubling for many reasons, as a matter of mission, policy and law.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/47XRgCx UNIVERSITY’S MODEL: https://fluence-media.co/49L0MLO
MANUFACTURING
SURVEY: Via Enterprise Minnesota, from the annual State of Manufacturing survey, VERBATIM: “While confidence among manufacturers has improved from 2024 and fears about a recession are down, few see the state’s economy as expanding, and most say Minnesota’s business climate is worse today than it was five years ago.”
“Expectations for gross revenues and profitability have improved modestly from last year’s downturn, but smaller manufacturers remain more pessimistic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hWbIIH
MINING
REPORT: Via news release from U.S. Steel, VERBATIM: “United States Steel Corporation today released the findings of its latest economic impact report for Minnesota, demonstrating the company’s significant and growing role in advancing the state’s economy, workforce, and Iron Range communities. The analysis, conducted by Parker Strategy Group, shows that in Fiscal Year 2024, U. S. Steel generated $2.5 billion in total economic impact, supported 6,873 jobs statewide, and contributed $153.7 million in total tax revenues across local and state levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p6tQ4S
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
CRYPTO
ATMS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “St. Paul is poised to become the latest and largest Minnesota city to ban cryptocurrency ATMs. Why it matters: Law enforcement officials say the kiosks are of little use to legitimate crypto investors, but have become lucrative tools for scammers preying on seniors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nQlkWu
MORE: From the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report:
FULL REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/47PMuqG
SHUTDOWN
EMMER: Via news release from the Majority Whip, VERBATIM: “Ahead of the House vote to reopen the government following the Democrat shutdown, Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is touting key stakeholder support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. Stakeholder support for the Senate-passed legislation comes in addition to countless organizations’ continued calls for a clean continuing resolution since the shutdown began.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ovL0Je
MORE: Emmer talked about today’s expected vote this morning on Fox & Friends. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pcEvv3
AROUND MINNESOTA
BATTERIES: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Batteries that store electricity and release it on demand are becoming an increasingly important part of the transition to clean energy. Minnesota regulators recently approved a large standalone battery system in Byron, west of Rochester, that will connect directly to the grid rather than a power plant. Connexus Energy’s standalone battery system in Vadnais Heights began operating in May. And more solar and wind projects are now being built with an energy storage component.” QUOTE: “Battery storage technology is here. It’s real. It’s mature,” said Allen Gleckner, chief policy officer at the nonprofit Fresh Energy. “It’s operating in Minnesota right now.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49bzWfC
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel is a Fluence sponsor)
EV CHARGERS: Via news release from Native Sun, VERBATIM: “Native Sun Community Power Development, Inc. and Open Access Technology International, Inc. (OATI) today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate energy sovereignty across Upper Midwest tribal nations through the deployment of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and related clean energy technologies. The initiative supports electrification and clean energy adoption in tribal communities, while laying the foundation for future opportunities including microgrids, distributed energy resources, and energy market integration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JZqYb5
FIRE: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A Duluth man has been fined $175 for starting a wildfire in northeast Minnesota last May that burned 12,000 acres and burned 150 buildings.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43nZlPE
BUCKET TRUCK: Via Xcel, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth-grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
BUSINESS
LODGING: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A hotel and rental apartment chain with locations in the Twin Cities said it’s closing immediately and liquidating the business. Sonder said in a news release Monday that the closure stems from ‘severe financial constraints arising from, among other things, prolonged challenges in the integration of the company’s systems and booking arrangements with Marriott International.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47TUPcQ
RETAIL: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A tiny Twin Cities antiques store is among the 25 ‘best home stores in America, according to House Beautiful. The New York City-based interior decorating magazine recently introduced its readers to 25 of the industry’s ‘best-kept secrets’, including Betty’s Antiques in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oFdXCL
TARGET: Via news release from Target, VERBATIM: “Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT)is making shopping easier, smarter and more fun this season with new tech features to help guests discover and purchase with ease, and a digital experience that delivers big on holiday inspiration and cheer for the whole family . . . Guests will discover more effortless, personalized shopping at Target this season thanks to AI-powered technology that makes it easy to find and purchase everything on their wish lists — and uncover fresh inspiration and surprises, too.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WUH5tp
REGIS: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Regis Corp. (RGS) on Wednesday reported earnings of $1.4 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Minneapolis-based company said it had net income of 49 cents . . . The owner of hair salon chains Supercuts and MasterCuts posted revenue of $59 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ovuUiM
NUWELLIS: Via RTTNews, VERBATIM: “[Eden Prairie-based] Nuwellis, Inc. (NUWE) announced earnings for third quarter that dropped from last year. The company’s earnings came in at $0.469 million, or $0.56 per share. This compares with $2.35 million, or $72.23 per share, last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nQmyB6
FEDERAL IMPACTS
ICE: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities immigrant rights advocates are calling on Minnesotans to take photos and videos of federal agents making immigration arrests in an effort to bring more transparency to law enforcement actions. Several advocates said at a Monday news conference that videos and photos could be used as evidence in the event that federal agents violate state or local laws.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49afj3s
WIC: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The federal Women, Infants and Children program got a reprieve from federal shutdown cuts through early December. But even as the government moves closer to reopening, WIC families in Minnesota are still affected by the uncertainty.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47AUD3o
SPPS: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Public Schools parents and educators breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when voters passed a referendum to raise roughly $37 million more in property taxes each year to support the district. The levy was introduced in an effort to prevent potential cuts to arts and music, college readiness and language support programs. St. Paul’s median homeowner, with a home valued at $289,200, will pay an extra $309 per year, subject to increase in line with inflation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47TShvy
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
AROUND THE TWIN CITIES
HWY 610: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Local leaders celebrated completion of the final phase of the Highway 610 corridor project on Monday — a project more than 50 years in the making. The corridor connects Interstate 94, County Road 30 and the original Highway 610. ‘Moments like this are what public service is all about, when we see a plan come together to serve our communities,’ said Judy Johnson, a member of the Metropolitan Council.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qXip11
MAPLE GROVE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Once slated to become a Chi-Chi’s restaurant, Rojo Mexican Grill has suddenly closed in Maple Grove. Rojo announced Monday that it has shuttered at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes after a two-year run.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49yAaxJ
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
PEOPLE
BEMIDJI: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “As winter approaches, community officials approached the Bemidji Planning Board on Monday about their concerns for the homeless population in the area, as they feel there is not enough shelter space to accommodate them during the winter season. The Peoples Church, an Indigenous ministry and overnight homeless shelter, is currently not taking in overnight guests due to ongoing inspections, with no set date on when they will be open. Reed Olson, owner of The Wolfe overnight shelter and executive director of the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless, told the Planning Board that there are not enough beds in the area to make up for those in need.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47RDBwR
ECUADORIANS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has had a stable Ecuadorian community for years, largely concentrated in northeast Minneapolis and neighboring Columbia Heights. But many more have immigrated to the state in recent years as deteriorating conditions in the South American country have sparked a mass exodus since 2022, with thousands fleeing gang violence and extortion. At 11,921 cases, Ecuadorians have the largest number of pending cases at Fort Snelling Immigration Court, more than double the amount from second-placed Mexico, according to data compiled by Syracuse University.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47Cjxj7
VETERANS: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County is launching a new program to help veterans involved in treatment court find healing through music. The initiative, funded through criminal forfeiture proceeds, will use music therapy to support veterans coping with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. The St. Louis County attorney’s office has committed $12,000 to cover enrollment costs for local veterans who participate in the program.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4p6sNSu
YESTERDAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s official celebration took place outside the Twin Cities metro for the first time. Officials and distinguished guests gathered at the National Guard Armory in Mankato. Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar were among the speakers.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3XrjHUs
WHAT’S NEXT?
TODAY: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Former state Sen. Nicole Mitchell‘s restitution hearing is set for Wednesday in Becker County, where, in July, a jury convicted Mitchell on two felony burglary counts for breaking into her stepmother’s home on April 22, 2024. In September, a judge sentenced Mitchell to 180 days in jail. And he ordered Mitchell to pay restitution to the victim, Carol Mitchell, for financial losses caused by the crime, including costs incurred by moving out and later back into her home, as well as damage caused by the break-in.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47EBkGo
SATURDAY: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Marshall Charloff and the Purple xPeRIeNCE are bringing the songs of Prince to Brainerd’s Gichi-Ziibi Center for the Arts this Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49yIopB
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Chamber, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s competitive edge is slipping under the weight of rising costs, regulation and workforce challenges. The Minnesota Chamber will host its 2025 Economic Summit: Minnesota’s Economic Imperative next Wednesday to confront these challenges head-on and launch a bold new effort to put the private sector at the forefront of Minnesota’s economic turnaround. This initiative will bring together business leaders, innovators and policymakers to discuss how private-sector innovation can drive growth and strengthen our state’s future.”
NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minnesota native Marisa Coughlan is coming home—both literally and artistically—with her new film ‘Blue Eyed Girl,’ which she wrote, produced, and stars in. Filmed entirely in Minneapolis, the heartfelt dramedy hits VOD on Nov. 21.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47TY9VB
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
WHALE: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Currently on display at Bauhaus Brew Labs, the immersive art installation Whalienfall imagines a creature, resembling both whale and alien, that has fallen on Earth and the strange yet fantastical ecosystem it sustains. As the central aspect of the project, a large skeletal frame of a ‘whalien’ hangs from the ceiling, framed using discarded coaxial cable and spanning approximately 50 feet in length with its skull alone measuring 10 feet.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4p49Qjh
BDAYS: lobbyist Steve Johnson, Title guy Scott Jensen, retired sports guy Joe Schmit
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
about morning take- Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2025 Lunch Take, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Fluence Media
PO Box 270031
Golden Valley, MN 55427